The Old Bakery Beer Company Announces 2015 Opening

The Old Bakery Beer Company Announces 2015 Opening

Former Urban Chestnut Brewing Company Assistant Brewer James Rogalsky has announced the location for his new microbrewery, The Old Bakery Beer Company, to open in Alton, Ill. in early 2015.

Rogalsky plans to open the brewery with four staple beers, including a Wheat IPA, Rye Pale Ale, Pilsner and Mild Brown Ale. Beers made with American organic ingredients, rotating seasonals and guest taps from other regional breweries will be the major highlights for beer lovers.

Why Alton? Rogalsky grew up there and recognized its potential and unique charm. “Once we saw the Old Bakery building, we were struck by how perfectly it would suit our needs and provide a timeless and interesting backdrop for our business,” he explains.

The Old Bakery also has family investors all the way from Winnipeg, where Rogalsky’s parents lived before moving to Alton over 25 years ago—another happy coincidence. “In recent years, we have begun to notice that Alton is embracing craft beer, and we think it’s time for the city to have its own microbrewery,” he says.

Patrons can expect a menu of soups, salads and sandwiches comprised entirely of local ingredients found within a 400-mile radius of the brewery’s location at 400 Landmarks Blvd. The menu will be spearheaded by Rogalsky’s wife and business partner, Lauren Pattan. Pattan is currently the Taste Room Sustainability and Operations Manager at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company. Her Masters degree in Environmental Management and experience at UCBC lay the groundwork for the first sustainable brewery and restaurant in Alton. She has no plans to leave UCBC at this time and says the organization is supportive of her and Rogalsky’s decision to support their own venture.

“We’re really excited to make an official announcement down the road and will share more details at that time,” Pattan says. “For now, we’re looking forward to fine tuning our business plan, securing our last bit of funding and renovating The Old Bakery on Landmarks Blvd. We hope to open in early 2015.”

According to the brewery’s Facebook page, it will begin accepting applications for various positions late this summer. “We look forward to releasing more information on the beer, food menu, opening date and job opportunities this summer,” Rogalsky says.

The Old Bakery Beer Company will launch its website later this year. For updates, follow along on Twitter and Facebook.